Why are my YouTube Thumbnails Censored?
In 99% cases, YouTube censors your thumbnails because they’re not “suitable for audiences”, but it doesn’t mean always that you’re breaking the rules.
Verified Information: Google says this in their Thumbnails Policy.
Sometimes it’s just random — not always your fault.
Our Advice: Follow the thumbnails rules and keep them friendly for all audiences.
Possible reasons
- Violating YouTube’s Community Guidelines: These guidelines outline what kind of content is appropriate for the platform. Common reasons for thumbnail removal include nudity, sexually suggestive content, violence, or hateful content.
- Automatically flagged by YouTube’s algorithms: YouTube’s system scans content to enforce their policies. While this is helpful, it can sometimes make mistakes.
- Low-Resolution Image: YouTube recommends a minimum width of 640 pixels and a resolution of 1280×720 pixels for optimal quality. Uploading a smaller image will result in it being stretched to fit the thumbnail space, causing blu.
Make sure your thumbnails don’t contain anything that goes against the guidelines.
FIX: Stop YouTube from Blurring Thumbnails
If the thumbnail doesn’t contain any forbidden imagery, the issue is most likely due to your internet connection.
Most common issues + their solutions:
| Issue 🚩 | Fix ✅ |
|---|---|
| Age Requirements | Verify age settings on your account. |
| Content Preferences | Modify content settings in YouTube. |
| Extensions | Turn off or tweak browser extensions. |
| Cache &Cookies | Clear browser cache and cookies. |
| Device | Test thumbnails on different devices/browsers. |
| YouTube Settings | Check YouTube settings for any restrictions. |
| Outdated YouTube App | Update the YouTube app on mobile devices. |
| Internet Speed | Ensure you have a stable internet connection. |
Follow these steps so you’ll create clear, high-quality thumbnails that won’t appear blurry on YouTube.
If you continue to have issues, consider reaching out to YouTube Creator Support for further troubleshooting.
Conclusion
There you have it — the reason why YouTube thumbnails are always blurry.
Thank you for reading this,
Thumbnail Test
